Video matrix system

ABSTRACT

A modular video matrix system for selectively interconnecting a plurality of audio, visual and optionally game controller signals from media source devices to display to or play on any one or all connected audio visual receiving display monitors or display stations. The video matrix allowing the user to decide which sources such as video games or DVD are to be displayed to or played on which monitors without disturbing or reconfiguring signal cabling interconnecting the source, receivers and the video matrix. The video matrix provided with a remote control to provide remote configuration of inputs to outputs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to apparatuses designed toswitch audio and video signals between televisions, and moreparticularly to expandable modular apparatuses designed to accept andinterface with paired audio and video output signals and cablingoriginating from a plurality of media sources such as DVD players andelectronic game systems and then provide for the connection of anychosen audio/video paired media signal input to any chosen connectedmedia consumer such as a monitor or television as the user may select.

BACKGROUND

Frequently a home may have two or more television receivers, perhapsincluding LCD or large screen monitors used for DVD playback, andperhaps a large screen or full wall projection home theater setup. It istypical for homes, especially those with children and young adults, toown more than one electronic game system, such as the Microsoft X-Box orthe Sony Play Station II to name a few examples.

The typical video game system has a video and at least one audio outputterminal that is connected to a display unit such as a television set ormonitor, as well as an input terminal that receives a cable from a videogame controller. A game controller is a hand operated input devices tothe game system, equipped with button switches and some form of joystickor manipulator controls. The video game device generates dynamic graphicimages and sounds from software and ROM or CDROM game software and datastores as well as user interaction with the game software. The videogame device dynamically generates image data in response to controlsignal inputs thereto as provided by the game user manipulating thecontrols provided on the game controller. The video game controllersignal can be bi-directional, comprising not just the manipulator inputsfrom the controller to the video game, but can also comprise outputsfrom the game device to the controller, say to vibrate the videocontroller handset or flash lights or perform tactile feedback.Accordingly, a video game player can participate in the game displayedon the display station by manipulating the buttons on the controllerwhile watching and listening to the video game device generated imageand audio data on the display unit, such as a television.

Often it can be the case that a user may wish to or need to disconnect agame system from one monitor and relocate the game system to anothertelevision, say for example the family is watching a movie on the hometheater and so the would-be game user needs to move elsewhere to playthe game system. When a family owns multiple televisions, monitors, andgame systems, along with media sources such as DVD players, VCRs and thelike, it is inconvenient to move devices around from room to room sothat they can be reconnected to another television or monitor.Additionally the process of connecting and reconnecting a tangle ofvideo, audio and game controller wiring is a frustrating and timewasting task that would be a benefit to eliminate.

Therefore, a video matrix system that provides a convenient means ofelectronically connecting or routing any media input device to anydisplay through the video matrix, that eliminates the labor and time inmoving media sources such as DVD players, electronic games from room toroom to play to alternate display station or monitor locations, as wellas overcomes the limitations of connecting and disconnecting a pluralityof audio, video and game controller wires and cables to each, such avideo matrix system would be useful and novel invention.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein comprise a videomatrix system designed to interface with and route and relay video andaudio signals from media sources such as DVD players and electronic gamesystems to a selected media consumer or display station chosen from aplurality of connected displays. A media consumer is a device havingsignal interface connections and capabilities suitable for interfacingto the video matrix and receiving at least one of the video, audio orgame interface signals. A display station comprises a televisionreceiver or video monitors, and may also have associated with it and inproximity to it one or more video game controllers for use with anelectronic game system. Display stations may be located near the videomatrix, or alternately may be located remotely, for example in anotherroom of the home, with cabling interconnecting the remote displaystation to the video matrix. A single media input source group which maycomprise a composite video, one or two analog audio signals, andoptionally up to four game controller signals (if the input device is anelectronic game system) is cabled to and connected to an input channelon the video matrix. A single display station, which comprises acomposite video signal, one or two audio signals, and optionally gamecontroller signaling, is cabled to and connected to an output channel ofthe video matrix.

In one embodiment, a video matrix system, in accordance with theinventive disclosures made herein, comprises a body having a generallyrectangular top appearance, a top face of the body having a plurality ofinput source selector inputs, and a plurality of display monitorselector inputs. The input source and display monitor selector inputsmay be mechanical pushbutton switches, or may be touch sensitivemembrane switches, or other suitable input means. In one embodiment, thepushbuttons are configured such that the signal input selectionpushbuttons are in one row or group, and the monitor selectionpushbuttons are in another row or group, the rows arranged, aligned andconfigured for easy identification by the user when choosing the inputand output pushbutton pair to be selected for routing a desired mediasource to a desired display station. Additionally, the video matrix isprovided with an “all displays” monitor selection pushbutton. The “alldisplays” pushbutton can be selected, together with an input mediasource pushbutton, to route the selected media source input video, audiochannels to all video matrix connected display stations/monitors,thereby allowing all video matrix monitors to view the same DVD orrecorded program, or perhaps to have all monitors view a game systembeing played. The video matrix system is configured with industrystandard audio and video input and output connector types for easyinterfacing to standard DVD players, games systems and televisionmonitors. The video matrix signal connectors are grouped in blocksaccording to input channel and output channel for easy identification bythe user. When the video matrix system is applied to game systems, someor all video matrix input and output channels are each provided with upto four game controller connectors for interfacing and switching gamescontrollers at display stations to electronic game systems connected tothe video matrix inputs. Current game systems utilize a variety ofinterconnection schemes between the game controller and the game system.As a way to accommodate electronic game systems from variousmanufacturers utilizing different game controller wiring pin outs andinterface signals, embodiments of the video matrix can provide specificadapters to interconnect between the video matrix and game controllerand game systems from specific manufacturers.

In another embodiment the video matrix system comprising featuresdisclosed in the first embodiment is further expanded to permit inputsand output signal routing to be configured from a personal computer.Input to output signal routing programming is provided by an RS232serial port connection between the computer and a DB9 serial connectoron the video matrix. The video matrix is programmed through the computerusing ANSI or VT100 style character terminal emulation provided on thecomputer, interacting with VT100 style or ANSI forms menus driven by thevideo matrix controller computer present in the video matrix system.Alternately, the video matrix input to output channel signal routing maybe configured via a network connection between the PC and the videomatrix using TCP/IP transport protocol over a 10-base LAN or 100 baseLAN connection, or alternately over a wireless LAN network such asprovided by the 802.11a or 802.11b wireless LAN specification.

In another embodiment, a video matrix system comprising featuresdisclosed in the embodiments discussed above is extended to provide amodular video matrix switching system for a home or office. The videomatrix system comprises the video matrix unit, and additionally one ormore modular connector plates for wall mounting in a location remotefrom the video matrix, as well as shielded signal cables designed toelectrically interconnect the video matrix to the remote modularconnector plates. The modular connection plate face is provided withaudio, video and optionally game controller connector ports for use ininterconnecting to a television/monitor and possibly one or moreelectronic game controllers.

In a further embodiment, a video matrix system is provided with a handheld wireless remote control, similar to a television or DVD remotecontroller, but transmitting user commands to the video matrixwirelessly over a radio frequency link. The video matrix is equippedwith a radio frequency receiver component to accept media source tomedia consumer routing commands entered on the remote control by a user.The remote control is configured to duplicate the input to outputchannel selection and routing functionality of the input/output channelselector inputs or pushbuttons on the video matrix unit remotely, forinstance, from another room in the building.

In some embodiments of the video matrix system having a wireless remotecontrol, the video matrix system is provided with LCD alphanumericdisplays above each input and output pushbutton. The displays beingprogrammable from the wireless remote control to display a userdetermined device name on the LCD displays on each input and each outputchannel, aiding the user in determining which channels correspond towhich connected device.

The embodiments discussed are preferentially implemented using aflexible modular chassis design configured to accept a variety ofmodular interface card. The modular chassis providing theinterconnection back plane and signal buss, as well as connectors toreceive each of the modular interface cards. The chassis can be built toaccommodate various numbers of input and output cards. Video matrixchassis designs accepting 5, 10 or 20 input and output cards arecurrently intended. Each modular interface card provides the audio andvideo signal connection point for one video matrix input channel oroutput channel. The plug-in style modular interface cards are to beprovided in a variety of types to interface to game systems, televisionreceivers, DVD players, VHS video recorders, computers, stereo tunersand audio systems, and video surveillance systems. The cards provideinterface connections and electronics to interface and electricallyinterconnect to widely used standards such as composite video, analogaudio, component video, video game systems, game controller interfaces,S-video (or super video as used with Hi-8 and S-VHS systems), compositevideo, as well as the European SCART Audio/video connection system to BS6552:1984 (EN 50-049).

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the inventive disclosures madeherein to provide a novel, useful and beneficial replacement to theusual practice of manually disconnecting, physically moving and manuallyreconnecting audio/visual devices such as DVD players and electronicgame systems when their use is desired in another room or at anothermonitor or television. Specifically, the video matrix system inaccordance with embodiments of disclosures made herein utilize a fastpushbutton selection means of reconnecting or routing an audio/visualmedia input device to another television or monitor without the need todisconnect and move the media input device. Such a video matrix audiovideo switching device is ideal for use in a home or office.

It is another object of the inventive disclosures made herein to providea video matrix system which incorporates routing and connection supportfor the majority of electronic game systems and their game controllersso as to support electronic game play on display stations locatedremotely from the game system.

It is another object of the inventive disclosures made herein to providea video matrix system which is modular in design, one which can beeasily configured with appropriate input and output interface cards toaccommodate the audio and visual media devices to which it is to beconnected.

It is another objective of the inventive disclosures made herein toprovide a video matrix system that provides a modular remote wall platedesign providing remote wall mountable modular connection plates havingthe audio video and game controller interface connections for mountingnear a display or television in another room or location remote from thevideo matrix.

These and other objects of the inventive disclosures made herein willbecome readily apparent upon further review of the followingspecification and associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show a form of the invention that is presently preferred,however the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown inthe drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting a video matrix system inaccordance with an embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein.

FIG. 2 is an interconnection single line cabling view of a video matrixsystem depicting the arrangement or routing of electrical audio visualand game controller cabling between the video matrix, display device andaudio video media source device, as well as remote room wall mountablemodular connection interface plates.

FIG. 3 is a back view of a video matrix system in accordance with anembodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, depicting oneconceived general arrange and grouping of the electronic signal inputand output connectors for audio, video and game controller connections.The arrangement and connector types are for illustration of anembodiment of the video matrix. This illustration is not intended tolimit this inventive disclosure in regards to the connector grouping,number of groups, connector type and arrangement shown. The illustrationprovided for understanding of one specific embodiment of a video matrixhaving many embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of remote audio-visualconnection plate in accordance with an embodiment of the inventivedisclosures made herein.

FIG. 5 is depicts one embodiment of video matrix hand held remotecontrol in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein.

FIG. 6 depicts the face plates and signal interface connections of asampling of the modular interface card types for the modular embodimentof the video matrix system in accordance with the inventive disclosuresmade herein.

FIG. 7 is a back view of a modular form of the video matrix system inaccordance with an embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein,depicting one possible selection of modular input and output interfacecards installed in a small size video matrix chassis accommodating 4input and 4 output channels. I/O channel sizes of 20 or more areintended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a video matrix in accordance with an embodiment of theinventive disclosures made herein. The video matrix 1 includes a topface 2, front face 14, two side faces 15 and a rear face 5. The top face2 includes a plurality of touch sensitive momentary switches, membraneswitches, or pushbuttons provided on the top face, comprising aplurality of input source selector pushbuttons 3, a plurality of displaymonitor selector pushbuttons 4, as well as an “all displays” selectorpushbutton 10. For example, to connect a DVD player at media input ‘1’to a television connected to monitor display ‘B’, the key input sequenceon the video matrix is ‘B’, ‘1’. To send the DVD player signal at mediainput 1 to all display monitors, the key sequence is ‘All’, ‘1’.

Higher end alternate embodiments include an LCD display 13 mounted inclosely associated proximity to pushbuttons, the LCD provided to displaythe device name to which the pushbutton corresponds as an aid to theuser. For example, an LCD display labeling an input selector pushbuttonmay be programmed to display ‘X-Box’, while a another LCD displaylabeling a display monitor selector pushbutton may identify thepushbutton as ‘Steve's bedroom’, as an example. The LCD displays areprogrammed from a remote control device described in more detail laterbelow, or from a computer through a serial USB connection or over aTCP/IP connection as described earlier in the specification.

The video matrix replaces and eliminates the need to manually connectand disconnect media sources from media consumers such as televisionsand monitor by providing a user selectable electronic interconnection orsignal routing capability between any video matrix connectedaudio-visual input source device to any of the connected displaystations or display devices. Display devices can include conventionaltelevision sets, large screen or projection televisions including hometheater setups, or individual LCD or CRT monitors, any of which can belocated near to the video matrix or located remotely in another room andconnected to a remote modular audio video connection plate, describedlater below. The video matrix accomplishes routing of audio, video andgame controller input media device signals to a selected output displaystation or to alternately all connected display stations without theneed to move the devices, and without the need to disconnect cables,move the device to another display station, and reconnect the device.Audio visual and game controller device signals are re-routed on the flyand instantaneously by touch sensitive pushbutton selections entered bythe user. Input audio video signal sources include video recorders,camcorders, DVD players, computer systems, security surveillance videosystems, electronic game systems to name a few. Examples of displaydevices or display stations we discussed earlier in the paragraph.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the video matrix is shown in relationship to afew exemplary audio-visual or media devices that a user mightelectrically interconnect to it. The video matrix top face includes aplurality of touch sensitive selector pushbuttons comprising inputsource selector pushbuttons 3 and display monitor selector pushbuttons4. An electronic game machine 18 is connected to the video matrix 1 viaa cable group 30 running between the video matrix and the game machine.The cable group comprising one or two shielded coaxial audio cableshaving industry standard RCA type connectors on each end. For stereosound, both the left and right channel cables and connectors would beused. For monaural audio, say from a security or some game systems, oneaudio cable would be used and connected. The cable group also comprisesa composite video 75-ohm shielded cable having industry standard RCAphono type connectors on both ends. Composite video is a single videosignal that is a composite of the black-and-white information and thecolor information signals, and is a widely supported and implementedvideo connection type on media source and display devices of the typesdescribed earlier. A cable group may also comprise one to four gamecontroller extension cables. Electronic game machines from manufacturersuse a variety of proprietary connectors and pin out arrangements,however to the number of conductors and are relatively few and easilyconnected and packaged. For example, the X-box system utilizes avariation on the computer USB port connection for the game controllerwhile others use other configurations with a limited number ofconductors per controller. To provide the video matrix with the abilityto switch game controller signals from a game system to a remote gamecontroller at remote display station the video matrix game system cablegroup is provided with a with a user game controller adapter mating to agame controller extension cable in the cable group. The game controlleradapter is specific to each game system on the market, and provides amating electrical connector type and pin out to mate to the game machinetype specific game controller connector on one end of the adapter. Theother end of the adapter provides a conventional computer universalserial bus, USB, receptacle. The cable group for a game system includesone or more shielded USB type cables to carry game controller signals.The game controller 7 plugs into and electrically interfaces with thegame controller adapter 8. The game controller adapter is equipped witha USB receptacle that receives and electrically connects a shielded USBcable. The shielded USB cable traverses between the adapter and thevideo matrix. A number of channels on the video matrix may be equippedwith up to 4 USB receptacles for each input or output channel. The videomatrix receives the opposite USB plug equipped end of the game shieldedgame controller cable. Using this scheme, game controller signals arecarried between the video matrix and the input device (game machine) andthe output device (handheld game controller) over conventional shieldedUSB cables having USB plugs on each end. At the game controller cableend at the game machine (input device) as well as the game controllercable end at the handheld game controller (located at the displaydevice), an adapter is provided to receive the USB cable plug of thevideo matrix game controller cable and convert the electrical pin outand provide a mating connector to the specific game machine and gamecontroller being used. This is to say the game controller adapters arespecific to the game machine being connected to the video matrix.

The cable groups, as envisioned, would be preferably provided as asingle multi-cable package, pre-fitted with the proper connectors (RCAplugs for audio and video, and USB connectors for game controllers), theshielded cable group of sufficient one piece length to run between thevideo matrix and the device or devices to which it connects.

Remote modular audio video connection plate 16 provides a remotemountable connection interface. One example application is where videomatrix cabling is provided in a building and runs from the video matrixlocation to various rooms. The cables run to and extend from thelocation of the video matrix in a star configuration. The cablesterminate at the remote rooms on the backside of a modular interfaceplate. In one embodiment, modular interface plate is sized and fitted tomount as a cover plate over a single standard frame wall mountableelectrical handy box, as would be used to mount a conventional 110Velectrical receptacle.

The modular connection interface plate extends the audio, video andoptionally game controller connection points from the back plate of thevideo matrix to the remote room connection plate by use of aninterconnecting cable group comprising audio, video and game controllercables as discussed above. The connections on the modular connectioninterface plate replicate the connections on the back of the videomatrix, but conveniently and advantageously provide these connections ata distant or remote room location.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the video matrix rear face is configured withconnector groups 36, grouping audio, video and game controller inputsand outs according to input and output channel, corresponding to thenumeric labels on the input source pushbuttons and the alphabetic labelson the monitor selector pushbuttons as discussed earlier. Each connectorgroup is configured to receive audio, video and optionally gamecontroller cable connections between the video matrix and the connecteddevice. Audio connections on the video matrix are industry standard RCAfemale plugs adapted to receive and connect standard RCA phono styleplugs on shielded audio cables. Audio connections for each input oroutput group include audio left 24, audio right 25. Video connections 26are provided to receive composite video over 75 ohm shields coaxialcable having RCA type male connectors.

Referring now to FIG. 4, depicting one embodiment of the remote modularaudio video connection plate 16 as discussed earlier. The cover plate isconfigured to provide a remote set of audio visual media inputconnections and display or monitor output connection, The plateembodiment shown is configured to attach by screws 27 to a standardelectrical trade handy box as used for single wall switches and duplexelectrical receptacles.

Referring now to FIG. 5, certain higher end video matrix embodiments inaccordance with inventive disclosures herein having LCD selector buttonlabeling displays, as discussed above, are provided with one or morehand held remote control units 17. The remote control 17 utilizesconventional radio frequency digital communication techniques, similarto RF techniques as used in garage door openers for example, tocommunicate over a limited distance, say 50 to 200 feet, with the videomatrix box. Garage door openers and some similar remote control RFdevices in consumer homes operate at 390 MHz and use a digital codingscheme to prevent cross operation between other similar devices, asknown to those skilled in the art.

The remote control device provides two functions. The first is that theremote control device 17 provide alpha numeric input keyboardcapabilities to program an enter identifying text to the LCD displayslabeling the input selection pushbuttons and video monitor selectionpushbuttons, as discussed with FIG. 1 earlier above. The second functionis that the remote control allows a user to select media inputs to beconnected or routed to display station outputs from a remote location,without having to be physically near the video matrix box to make theselection. In this sense the remote control keyboard mimics the inputselect (numeric keys) and display select (alpha keys) of the face of thevideo matrix on the remote control and allows media input to beredirected to any display monitor output from the remote control. Forexample, to connect a DVD player at media input ‘1’ to a televisionconnected to monitor display ‘B’, the key sequence on the remote controlis ‘Connect’, ‘B’, ‘1’. To send the DVD player signal at media input 1to all display monitors, the key sequence is ‘Connect’, ‘All’, ‘1’.

FIG. 6 depicts a partial set of modular input and output interface cardsas pertains to the modular form or embodiment of the video matrixsystem. Game system interface card 31 is provided with analog audio RCAconnectors, composite video connector, and up to 4 game controllerconnectors. Personal computer system or computer workstation interfacecards 32 is provided with a VGA/SVGA standard 15 pin DIN connector forcomputer monitor video, as well as left and right channel analog audioports. VCR or television/monitor interface card 34 is provided with astandard RCA type composite video connection point, as well as left andright audio channels. European SCART standard interface card 35. SCARTstands for Syndicat frangais des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radio etTélévision. The connector is also known as a Euro-connector since it wasimposed on manufacturers by EC directive. All TV and VCR equipment soldin the EC that have external video line connections have to be suppliedwith SCART connections by regulation. The 20 pin (21 pin counting theshield connection) connector provides for stereo audio in/out, C-videoin/out, S-video, and RGB (in only). There is also provision for externalmode and signaling, such as 4:3/16:9 (wide screen) selection, andauto-TV-switching when a cassette is inserted in the VCR. The SCARTdigital signaling functions may be ignored or not implemented by thevideo matrix system. The SCART connector also provides a convenient wayto group signals into a single grouped plug-in cable for routing cablingfrom the video matrix to a remote room wall plate, these signalssupported by the SCART standard include: left-right audio inputs,left-right audio outputs, composite video input, and composite videooutput.

FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of a modular chassis video matrix system inaccordance with the inventive disclosures made herein. The modularchassis 40 has an end user selected set of modular interface cardsinstalled into the chassis. The depicted chassis size of 4 input and 4output cards is for easy illustration only, and is not to be understoodas a limitation. Chassis locations which are not needed for interfacingto media devices can be left blank or unfilled, the unfilled cardposition covered by blank card face 41.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments and certain variants thereof, have beendescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitableembodiments may be utilized and that logical, material, mechanical andelectrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention. To avoid unnecessary detail, the descriptionomits certain information known to those skilled in the art. Thepreceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limitedto the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, ascan be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A video matrix system for selectively interconnecting a plurality ofaudio video source signals to a plurality of display stations, thesystem comprising: a video matrix device body, the body having a topface, a bottom face, a rear face, a front face and two opposing sidefaces; a plurality of input source groups secured to a face of thedevice body, each group configured to receive signals from a mediasource, each group comprising: a video connector to detachably engageand electrically connect a video input cable from the media source tothe video matrix; and two audio connectors to detachably engage andelectrically connect audio input cables from the media source to thevideo matrix; a plurality of display monitor output groups secured to aface of the device body, each output group to convey signals to adisplay station, each group configured to interface to one displaystation, each monitor output group comprising: a video connector todetachably engage and electrically connect a video output cable from thevideo matrix to the display station; and two audio connectors todetachably engage and electrically connect audio output cables from thevideo matrix to the display station; and a means for selectivelyelectrically interconnecting a user chosen input source group to a userchosen display monitor output group, the means comprising: a pluralityof input source selection means secured to a face of the video matrixdevice body, wherein there is a one to one relationship between eachinput source selection means and each input source group; and aplurality of display monitor selection means secured to a face of thevideo matrix device body, wherein there is a one to one relationshipbetween each display monitor selection means and each display monitoroutput group; and electronic circuitry to electrically interconnectselected input source group to chosen display monitor group.
 2. Thevideo matrix system of claim 1, wherein the video matrix device furthercomprises an all displays selection means, said all displays selectionmeans interconnecting and relaying audio and video signals from theselected input source group to all display monitor groups.
 3. The videomatrix system of claim 2 wherein the selection means comprises momentarycontact pushbuttons.
 4. The video matrix system of claim 2 wherein theselection means comprises touch sensitive membrane switches.
 5. Thevideo matrix system of claim 2, wherein each of one or more input sourcegroups further comprise a game controller connector to detachably engageand electrically connect an electrical cable terminated to a gamecontroller input on a electronic game machine; and wherein each of oneor more display monitor output groups further comprise a game controllerconnector to detachably engage and electrically connect an electricalcable terminated to a game controller.
 6. The video matrix system ofclaim 5, wherein the electronic interconnection circuitry compriseselectrically operated relays for game controller signals.
 7. The videomatrix system of claim 5, wherein the electronic interconnectioncircuitry comprises solid state switching circuitry and solid stateamplifiers for audio and video signals, and electrically operated relaysfor game controller signals.
 8. The video matrix system of claim 5,further comprising one or more game controller adapter sets, each setconfigured to interface the game controller of a specific game systemtype to the video matrix device, each adapter set comprising: a gamecontroller input adapter having two electrical connector ends, theadapter configured on one end to detachably mate with and electricallyconnect to a specific game system game controller connector type, theadapter configured on remaining connector end to detachably mate withand electrically connect to game controller connector of display monitoroutput group; and a game controller output adapter having two electricalconnector ends, the output adapter configured on one end to detachablymate with and electrically connect to a specific game system gamecontroller input connector type, the adapter configured on remainingconnector end to detachably mate with and electrically connect to thegame controller connector of input source group.
 9. The video matrixsystem of claim 5, wherein the video matrix device video connectors areRCA type phono plugs; and wherein the video matrix device audioconnectors are RCA type phono plugs.
 10. The video matrix system ofclaim 5, wherein the video matrix device game controller connectors arecomputer USB type connectors.
 11. The video matrix system of claim 8,further comprising one or more remote mountable audio video connectionplates, said plate having: connectors for an one input source groupsecured to the plate, the input source group configured to receivesignals from a media device, the input source group comprising: a RCAtype video connector to detachably engage and electrically connect avideo input cable from the media source to the plate; two RCA type audioconnectors to detachably engage and electrically connect audio inputcables from the media source to the plate; and a USB type gamecontroller connector to detachably engage and electrically connect anelectrical cable terminated to a game controller input on a electronicgame machine; connectors for one display monitor output group secured tothe plate, the display monitor output group configured to interface toone display station, the monitor output group comprising: a RCA typevideo connector to detachably engage and electrically connect a videooutput cable from the plate to the display station; two RCA type audioconnectors to detachably engage and electrically connect audio outputcables from the plate to the display station; and a USB type gamecontroller connector to detachably engage and electrically connect anelectrical cable terminated to a game controller, said plate sized andconfigured to mount as a cover plate over a standard electricalreceptacle box.
 12. The video matrix system of claim 8, furthercomprising a remote control device, said remote control device toprovide remote modification of input and output group interconnectionsas well as video matrix device setup, said remote control comprising: athin substantially rectangular housing having a top face; a touchoperated input keypad comprising: an input means for inputting numbers 1through 9 by use of said keypad; an input means for inputting alphabetletter A through Z by use of said keypad; a connect key; a label key;and a radio frequency wireless communication means whereby the remotecontrol device can communicate commands to the video matrix device. 13.The video matrix system of claim 12, wherein the video matrix devicefurther comprises alphanumeric liquid crystal displays associated withand secured in proximity to the input source selection means and thedisplay monitor selection means, the liquid crystal displays displayinguser programmable labels to selection means identifying devices,monitors to which each is connected, the liquid crystal display textlabels programmable from the remote control device.
 14. A modular videomatrix system for interfacing to and routing media signals between aplurality of media source devices and media consumer devices, the videomatrix system comprising: a connector board having signal back plane andbuss; a plurality of modular media signal interface cards of a pluralityof types, each card type configured and adapted to connect with andelectrically interface to one or more media device types selected fromthe group consisting of video game systems, television receivers, videorecording devices, video playback devices, DVD players, DVD recorders,video recorders, computer systems, computer monitors, stereo receivers,stereo amplifiers, home theater systems, video surveillance cameras,video surveillance monitors, video game controllers, USB devices, cabletelevision receivers, SCART equipped audio visual equipment, S-videoequipped audio visual equipment, and satellite television receivers,each card configured to interface to one or more device related mediasignals, the group also referred to as a media signal group; a chassishaving card slots for receiving two or more modular signal interfacecards, the connector board secured within said chassis; a mounting meansfor removably securing a modular signal interface card in the chassiscard slot; a plurality of card connectors secured to the connectorboard, the card edge connectors sized, positioned and adapted tosupportively receive and electrically connect with the modular mediainterface cards; a programmable microprocessor based logic systemsecured within said chassis, the logic system providing userprogrammable interconnection of media source devices to media consumerdevices through the media signal interface cards; and a user input meansfor selectively electrically interconnecting through the logic system auser chosen modular interface card source media signal group to a userchosen modular interface card consumer media signal group.
 15. Themodular video matrix system of claim 14, wherein the electronicinterconnection circuitry comprises microprocessor controlledelectrically operated relays for game controller signals.
 16. The videomatrix system of claim 14, wherein the electronic interconnectioncircuitry comprises microprocessor controlled solid state switchingcircuitry and solid state amplifiers for audio and video signals, andelectrically operated relays for game controller signals.
 17. The videomatrix system of claim 14, further comprising one or more remotemountable media device connection plates in a plurality ofconfigurations, each plate configuration having media signal interfaceconnectors configured to adapt to the one or more media device types,said plates mountable on a wall surface in a remote room; and electricalconnectors and electrical cables to connect said remote media connectionplate signals to the modular video matrix system.